Tamolitch Blue Pool Hike

While shopping at Camping World in Coburg, Oregon I discovered a large picture of a “local attraction” named the Blue Pool. The picture captivated my attention and I decided this is a place I must see.

Getting there

The Blue Pool is approximately 1 hour from Coburg, Oregon. From Coburg, hop on the I-5 South to Highway 126 (McKenzie Hwy), then head east toward McKenzie Bridge. After about 65 miles look for NF 655. Turn left onto NF 655 and cross the bridge. NF 655 will dead end (about a mile) at the trailhead. Parking is limited so on a busy day it may be necessary to park along the road and walk a good distance to the trailhead. At the trailhead there is a restroom and an information board.

The Trail

The trail starts on the left side of the restroom. In a couple hundred feet the trail will intersect with the McKenzie River Trail. Turn right on the McKenzie River Trail and head up river until you reach the pool. The Tamolitch Blue Pool via the McKenzie River Trail is a 3.7 mile out and back trail, rated easy but is heavily trafficked.

The trail follows the river the entire hike providing a tranquil sound of rushing water. There are many vantage points along the way to enjoy the river as it cascades over and around large moss covered rocks.

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The first half of the hike winds its way through an old growth Douglas Fir forest. These trees are massive both in girth and height. Large ferns cover the ground and moss clings to the trees and hangs from the branches. It is a mystical experience.

At the halfway point the trail begin to climb up an old lava flow. The trail in this section is thinner and requires some rock hopping. It is not overly strenuous but footing can be tricky in some areas. This section of the trail also passes a ledge with a sheer drop-off. This ledge provides a great view of the river and if you look up stream you get your first glimpse of the blue pool.

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The Blue Pool

Once through this rocky section you will reach the Blue Pool. The color of the pool is spectacular and there are many places to stop and enjoy the view. I was amazed at how blue and clear the water was. It actually looked fake, as if someone had put dye in the water, but this was all natural.

As I looked down into the water I pondered its depth. It was hard to tell from my angle but I assumed it was much deeper than it looked since there were dare devils jumping from the cliffs on the north end of the pool.

If you desire to dip your toe in the water or swim in the pool, it is possible with a short scramble down the rocky walls. There were a few people along the pool’s edge but I didn’t see any eager bodies in the water.

The pool is actually where the Mckenzie River emerges after it submerges into a lava tube below the Carmen Reservoir, creating Tamolitch Falls. Tamolitch Falls is known as a dry falls, because during especially wet rainy winters the river will flood over the lava bed and waterfall into the pool. It was dry today which allowed people to cross the falls and get a different perspective of the pool.

After thirty minutes of enjoying the pool I started my hike back. This is great hike for anyone wanting to get out of the house, enjoy nature and see something unique.

Drawbacks

There are only two drawbacks with this trail. First, it is full of people so it is very busy and does not leave much space for solitude.

Secondly, it is extremely muddy. I would recommend wearing old shoe/boots and pack a second pair for the drive home as there is no avoiding the mud. Finally, bring a towel just in case you are tempted to test the waters of this chilly blue pool.

This is a great, short and easy hike for any level of hiker and it will be easy to lose track of time staring into the famous Blue Pool of the Willamette National Forest.

~ slow-LEE hiking